I finished read Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life a few weeks ago. I had heard mixed things about the book. Some said it was great, others that it wasn't good at all. I had thought about buying it but never got around to it. Then my sister gave me a copy for Christmas.
My review would be that it's an OK book. It's very basic (which is one of the things I've heard said against it), but being basic isn't a crime or a sin. If someone isn't used to reading heavy theology or philosophy books, this is a good starter. If you are into theology, well, all of us need to be reminded of basic things once in a while. It wouldn't hurt to read it.
In one respect, it could be very good for theology students. Warren aims to make Christianity very practical, which is extremely important not just for the common believer but particularly for the theologian (or those aspiring to be such). While you may not agree with all of his statements or conclusions, if you read carefully, you should find plenty of encouragement to use what you learn. "Faith without works is dead." We would all do well to remember that.
I'm not fond of the multiplicity of translations and paraphrases that Warren uses in the book, and I would recommend having a familiar Bible on hand to check up his references. While most of his quotes and ideas are sound, some of the passages cited may have a different emphasis in a more literal translation.
Overall, while it isn't among my "must read" books (a very, very small list), I'd say that the book is worth checking out, especially for a young believer or one new to theological reading. I doubt anyone would be "led astray" by what he would find in it, and the good you can glean from it (especially when it comes to living the faith) could be a valuable asset in the Christian life.
Posted by at April 5, 2004 4:59 PM